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OCD And Driving: How Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Affects Drivers

OCD And Driving: How Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Affects Drivers

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Drivers are meant to be independent. But driving can be a tough task with OCD disorder. It is a mental condition with intrusive thoughts and compulsive behavior that can be time-consuming and impactful on everyday life. OCD drivers may engage in these intrusive thoughts to harm themselves or others. They will act strangely and awkwardly by continuously checking the side mirrors. They will drive in constant fear of hitting someone. Besides this, we will have a detailed discussion on OCD and driving. We will try to understand its impact on drivers, the challenges, and the different types of fears they have to bear.

 

OCD And Driving: Common Fears And Intrusive Thoughts Behind The Wheel: 

People with OCD feel anxiety while driving. They can’t keep their focus on driving if they have OCD. Also, they will consciously seek reassurance. They will keep changing routes that they irrationally think are safer. They will keep checking mirrors to reduce their fear. Irrational thoughts like these will keep popping up in their mind. For instance:

 

  • Fear of causing an accident due to unwanted stress.
  • Fear of breaking traffic rules due to intrusive thoughts.
  • Fear of hitting someone due to loss of control.
  • Fear of harm to themselves or others.

 

Constant Checking & Seeking Reassurance: 

The obsession with intrusive thoughts makes them mentally exhausted. Therefore, they keep looking for reassurance that everything is ok. They will keep looking at the front cameras to ensure their pedestrians are safe. The thoughts might be irrational, but they seem real for people dealing with ocd driving. Besides this, these thoughts can distract them from driving.

 

Fear Of Losing Control While Driving: 

The fear of losing control while driving can impact good drivers. The irrational thoughts can lead a person to unwanted stress. These anxieties can make the fear more real and intense. This way, a person gets in trouble while thinking, What if I hit someone? However, driving with ocd can be dangerous for yourself and others. This disorder gives you a pessimistic mindset while driving.

 

How OCD And Driving Affect Daily Life And Independence: 

OCD can affect people in their daily lives. It will make it harder for them to function properly. They ocd while driving put themselves at risk. The irrational thoughts make it difficult for them to drive safely or to run errands. They may miss important deadlines for meetings. This phobia can isolate them and lead them towards depression and anxiety. This can impact their emotional well-being. Understanding OCD and its effects leads individuals to seek professional support.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For OCD & Driving: 

This therapy helps people navigate negative challenges. It will help transform their changing pattern. Also, exposure and response prevention is a form of CBT. It will help in exposing individuals to their anxiety.

 

Gradual Response: 

It helps a person to recognize and accept their fears.

Response Prevention: 

It prevents a person from being triggered by irrational thoughts and acting out of compulsion.

Medicine Options To Manage OCD Symptoms: 

An Ocd person suffers from severe symptoms. It is badly affecting their daily life functioning. Also,  irrational thoughts can become uncontrollable for them. Therefore, they are being suggested to shift to medicines to reduce driving ocd symptoms.

 

SSRIs: 

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors increase the serotonin level in the brain. It will calm and relax your mind.

 

Anti-Anxiety Medicines: 

Antidepressants can also reduce OCD symptoms. Further, you can take a psychiatric medication management plan. The expert will help you suggest medications with combined therapy based on the person’s condition.

 

Mindfulness & Relaxing Techniques For Driving Anxiety: 

Mindfulness practices can be a valuable tool in stressful situations. It can help an ocd person to release their stress and anxiety. One can use mindfulness practices to focus on the present and avoid baseless negative thoughts.

 

  • Deep Breaths: 

You can do deep breath exercises to calm your mind.

  • Focus On Sensations: 

You should live in the present moment rather than thinking about what and if situations. It can create possibilities of fear in your mind. It is better to be present and focus on what is happening.

  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation: 

Relaxing your different muscle groups can help you release stress from your mind and body.

Self-Help Strategies To Build Confidence While Driving: 

You can explore the effective strategies that will be helpful while driving with OCD. It will help in reframing your irrational thoughts. It will gain you confidence.

 

Try to navigate your negative thoughts to assure yourself they don’t exist in real life.

Stop looking for reassurance; this can compel you to act.

Start setting your goals for driving. Learn from smooth start and stop, and how to park safely.

 

When To Seek Professional Help For OCD And Driving: 

It is a mental disorder that affects your daily life activities. If you are stuck and have found no way out. You don’t need to hesitate. This way, you should only contact a licensed psychologist who has expertise in OCD. They will help you out with effective plans and medicines. The valuable therapy and tool will help you manage your symptoms. However, you just need to be consistent, which will lead you towards recovery.

Support Groups & Online Communities: 

Nothing comforts you like sharing your grief with someone you trust. It can be your friends and family. It can help people with OCD to release their anxiety and stress. Also, it will eliminate their negative thoughts when they understand the perspective of people suffering from OCD. However, you can join online communities and groups on Facebook or any other social media platform.

Overcoming OCD & Driving Challenges With the Right Approach: 

Having doubts is completely normal. Therefore, you should believe that doubts are real. It will make the individual uncontrollable towards compulsive behavior. Remember, you are not alone. You can find multiple strategies, such as therapies, the right support system, or self-compassion. You need to focus on what you can control and cannot. It will stop your mind from overthinking. Besides this, you can choose Orange Coast Psychiatry for your mental well-being. Our certified experts will always assist you regarding any psychological disorder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, people with ocd can face challenges while driving. The instructive thoughts distract them from driving safely.

Yes, OCD can urge you towards compulsive behaviors. It will compel individuals to lose control because of irrational thoughts.

You can take therapies such as CBT and ERP. It will help in reducing ocd symptoms.

No, it might not go away forever. But you can reduce the symptoms by fully acknowledging your thoughts.

Reference and Footnotes
  1. Arifi, F. (2025, February 21). Fear of driving and OCD: Symptoms and treatment. NOCD. https://www.treatmyocd.com/what-is-ocd/common-fears/im-too-scared-to-drive-my-car-could-therapy-help
  2. Admin. (2025, January 28). Understanding How OCD Affects Daily Life and Relationships – Mind’s Eye | Best Psychological. Mind\’s Eye. https://mindseye.in/impact-of-ocd-on-daily-life/
  3. Manhattan Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. (2024, September 23). Hit and Run OCD: An Unusual Form of Driving Anxiety. https://manhattancbt.com/hit-and-run-ocd/

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Jackson Tea

MSN, PMHNP-BC

Administrative Director and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Jackson Tea, MSN, PMHNP-BC, serves as the Administrative Director and a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) at Orange Coast Psychiatry. Dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, Jackson is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers individuals to take charge of their mental well-being. His expertise includes comprehensive psychiatric assessments, personalized medication management, and behavioral health interventions designed to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes in their mental health journey.
Jackson’s approach to care is rooted in the belief that mental health is just as vital as physical health. He focuses on creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard, valued, and understood. By offering individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals, Jackson helps clients overcome obstacles such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and other mental health challenges.
He holds a Post-Master’s Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from National University, a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles, where he earned Dean’s List honors. As a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing, Jackson remains committed to advancing mental health awareness and promoting high standards of care in the field.
In his role at Orange Coast Psychiatry, Jackson leads clinical operations while ensuring regulatory compliance and delivering high-quality care. His core competencies include psychiatric assessment, evidence-based interventions, crisis management, clinical leadership, and risk mitigation. Above all, Jackson strives to make mental health care accessible and effective for everyone, supporting individuals in making meaningful progress, improving their quality of life, and achieving lasting well-being.

May Faustino

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

May Faustino, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and highly skilled psychiatric provider with over four years of nursing experience, including three years specializing in psychiatric care. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University, where she received extensive training in managing the psychiatric needs of pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations, as well as providing therapy and counseling services.
May has worked in diverse mental health settings, including forensic psychiatry at the Department of State Hospitals and behavioral health services at Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health. Her clinical expertise spans psychiatric assessments, medication management, and trauma-informed care, with a strong focus on treating anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
Bilingual in English and Tagalog, May is dedicated to serving diverse patient populations with a culturally sensitive approach. She is trained in evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing and is well-versed in trauma-informed care and suicide prevention strategies.
May is passionate about promoting resilience and recovery through preventive mental health care and individualized, holistic treatment plans. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her memberships in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
In her personal time, May enjoys fostering mindfulness and well-being through activities she loves, such as spending time with her husband and their two beloved cats, Pippy and Eva.

Dr. Montgomery

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Torri Montgomery, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with a subspecialty board certification in forensic psychiatry. Dr. Montgomery is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Montgomery earned her Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) from Arizona State University and her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from The University of Arizona, College of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. During her psychiatry residency, Dr. Montgomery completed a year-long certification in Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT), earned a certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to prescribe medication for the treatment of substance use disorders, and worked in a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic for substance use disorders. Additionally, she was appointed Chief Resident and received an Excellence in Teaching award.
After psychiatry residency, she completed her Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. After completing her fellowship, Dr. Montgomery has worked in public psychiatry for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. She teaches, consults, and treats individuals with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, and serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders. Her experience includes outpatient, inpatient, emergency, consult liaison, addiction, dual-diagnosis, and forensic psychiatry. She is an expert evaluator on the Superior Court of California Panel of Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists. Dr. Montgomery is an attending physician for the Harbor-UCLA Department of Psychiatry and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.

Dr. Ravi

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Dave Ravi, M.D., is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with additional qualifications in geriatric psychiatry. Dr. Ravi is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (B.S., Magna Cum Laude), VCU School of Medicine (M.D.), Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Residency in Psychiatry), and John. A. Burns School of Medicine (Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry). He currently is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu, HI and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi is a dedicated community psychiatrist with extensive experience in public, correctional, inpatient and outpatient settings, and an experienced tele-psychiatrist. He consults on topics in general psychiatry, including quality improvement, treatment planning, and crisis management, and in correctional psychiatry, including recovery-oriented treatment for individuals with serious mental illness and dual diagnosis. His current and future interests focus on understanding the various approaches in managing the suffering and disturbance of complex psychiatric disorders, particularly in the use, misuse, overuse, and misrepresentation of psychotropic medications.

Dr. Irwin

M.D. , Ph.D – Psychiatrist

Dr. Scott Irwin, M.D., Ph.D., is Board Certified Psychiatrist. Dr. Irwin is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
His career mostly focuses on improving outcomes for those with cancer or other progressive, potentially life-limiting illnesses, and their families, through leading-edge clinical services, ongoing research, as well as program development, improvement, and implementation.
He is widely published, has been recognized at many levels for his research, teaching, consulting, and clinical endeavors, and has received research funding from the NCI, NIMH, the National Palliative Care Research Center, the Archstone Foundation, and industry.
Dr. Irwin earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and both his MD and PhD (neuroscience) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He successfully completed his psychiatry residency at UC San Diego as chief resident of Outpatient Psychiatric Services, as well as a two-year elective in hospice and palliative care at San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with subspecialty certification in psychosomatic medicine.

Richard Samedra.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.
Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.
Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.
Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

Shaheena Gazipura

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.
Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.
Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.
Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.
Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry
Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.
With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.
A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.
Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.
Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Mina Cheriki

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Mina Cheriki is a masters-prepared Registered Nurse (RN), certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), and a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She brings nearly a decade of experience within the healthcare industry, particularly within the fields of nursing, mental-health, education, research, and leadership. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, followed by a Master of Science degree in Nursing at The Ohio State University.
Rooted in the highest quality of evidence-based practice and informed by a holistic, collaborative, person-centered approach, Mina’s clinical skillset encompasses psychiatric assessments, medication management, psychotherapy, and education. Her clinical focus covers symptoms and conditions related to depression, anxiety, panic, mood imbalances, attention/concentration deficits and hyperactivity, executive dysfunction, life transitions, acute stress, grief, trauma, and more. Additionally, Mina has experience in providing ketamine-assisted therapies and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for mental health.
Coming from a family of immigrants, Mina is familiar with providing culturally-, religiously-, and spiritually sensitive care while also maintaining efforts in delivering highly therapeutic communications. Furthermore, she continues her commitment in providing evidence-driven care and in upholding standards of quality by remaining active in organizations such as the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Above all, Mina is committed to empowering her clients throughout their journeys toward recovery and well-mindedness. More specifically, she uses her combined knowledge and passions for physical and mental health to assist her clients toward achieving a lasting balance between the mind, body, and spirit.
Aside from her dedication to providing mental health care, Mina also enjoys exploring nature and hiking, making photography and art, as well as spending quality time with friends, family, and her dog, Kona.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.